Annabel's on track to Youth Winter Olympics

Bobsleigh girl comes through specialised fitness work

NEWBURY Newbury bobsleigher Annabel Chaffey has received the call to join the Great Britain Youth Bobsleigh Team.

The 17-year old’s selection comes after specialist help get her back on the track after she tore her hamstring at the end of June, forcing her out of much of the summer training programme.

But her return to competitive fitness owed much to Janet Gray of Newbury’s Gray's Therapies, who volunteered her services to support the teenager’s goal of competing in next February's Youth Winter Olympic Games in Lillehammer, Norway.

“Janet's weekly sports massage treatment have been a real aid to my recovery alongside the rehab programme and support from the physio team at Newbury Hospital,” said Chaffey.

“She has also liaised regularly with my GB physio and I'm delighted that with her help I have returned to fitness at just the right time.”

Chaffey flew out to Calgary in Canada last week for a training camp, to be followed by the first two qualifying races, and a good result in those will help to secure her place in next February's games.

“When I heard what Annabel had already achieved and her plans for this season I was keen to offer my support,” said Janet Gray. “She is extremely focused and positive and working in a very highly competitive environment.

“This strength and focus has helped Annabel get back to competitive fitness. I am convinced that she goes into this competition as a stronger athlete both mentally and physically.”

She will continue to treat Chaffey throughout the season to ensure she is peak condition for the second Youth Winter Olympic Games, before which she will not only train and compete in Canada, but will also travel to Austria, Norway and Switzerland to secure her place at the games.

The Year 13 student must combine her training and competition with her key year studies at Park House School.